KIT

It’s that time of year again when the temperature is rapidly dropping, and it can be difficult to get out the door. There are also other aspects to consider whilst running in the winter;

Safety

Ensuring that you put your safety first. It’s important (especially if you are female) not to take unnecessary risks and stick to well lit areas. It’s also now the time to get the high viz clothing out even for well lit areas. As well as reflective clothing, you can also purchase lights which can be strapped around your arms or legs and lights that clip on to your trainers.

Be Safe! Be Seen!

Running with Others

Now is a really good time to get social. If you don’t know any other runners, how about joining a run club in your area so you can run as a group. Also, knowing that your running buddy is waiting for you at club is every incentive to lace up those trainers and get to club in the cold and dark evenings.

Running Buddies!

Putting Pressure on yourself to break PB’s

PB’s are more difficult to break in the milder months. If it’s windy, raining and snowing, your times are bound to be a bit slower. Use winter to work on your gait and for building strength. Most asthma sufferers really struggle in the winter due to the cold air so it’s important to remember to take your ventilator on a regular basis.

Kit

I am well known in my club for dressing inappropriately in the winter. No, I don’t wear too little, I always wear TOO MUCH and always end up TOO HOT by mile 2. It’s wise to wear DRI FIT or something similar so the sweat doesn’t stay on your clothes and make you colder quickly. I have just purchased a new base layer from Ronhill which dries quickly and has a thermal layering to keep you warm. I also like it as it’s long in the body – more often than not, the base layers I have purchased rise up, so my midriff is on show. (not a good look)

Chris rocking his kit

Not Warming Up

I learnt the hard way on sat, it was one degree at Parkrun and I just couldn’t be bothered to warm up. This was a massive mistake! My quads were frozen solid, and I felt like I couldn’t even move my legs. The cold was a bit of a shock to the system. A warm up is always a good idea, even if you don’t fancy it. It’s also important to warm down even if you do fancy just getting home and curling up on the sofa with a hot chocolate as it means that you keep the muscles supple and prevent unnecessary pulls.

Hydrate

Although its cold, it doesn’t mean that you won’t be sweating. Dehydration is another key cause of injury, and you’re more likely to get the killer DOMS if you are not adequately hydrated.